Lakers News: D’Antoni To Consider Change To Starting Lineup


What was supposed to be a great night was ruined as the Lakers fell to the Toronto Raptors 106-94 in Kobe Bryant’s return. The Lakers, as expected by many, struggled to integrate Bryant into the lineup, especially on offense. This lead to the starters totaling only 23 total points, with no one reaching double figures, while the five players off the bench all scored in double figures, totaling 71 points.

As a result of this, Coach Mike D’Antoni is now apparently considering another change to the starting lineup, according to Bill Oram of the OC Register:

This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as the constant injuries have forced the Lakers to continually change lineups. Bryant seemed to be looking to pass far more than shoot, but with a frontcourt of Robert Sacre, Pau Gasol and Wesley Johnson, there wasn’t much floor spacing.

D’Antoni went with Jodie Meeks and Shawne Williams pretty early in the second half so either one of those two could be added back in the starting lineup to bring shooting and spread the floor. Meeks, in particular, has been in the starting lineup for most of the year so he could easily be re-inserted into that role with Bryant moving over to the small forward position.

Whatever the changes may be, expect constant lineup and rotation changes until the Lakers get healthy. Only then will D’Antoni be able to work out a proper rotation.

———————————————————————-
Kobe Bryant Receives Award At Make A Wish Foundation Event

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Draymond Green Believes Kyle Kuzma Can Be ‘Second Star’ To LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers got their first big superstar this summer when LeBron James signed a four-year contract. Ever since then, much of the focus has…

Lakers News: Kobe Bryant Game-Time Decision vs. Pacers With Flu-Like Symptoms

The Los Angeles Lakers will attempt to begin another win streak on…

Jerry West Understands Need For Clippers To Build Own Identity Away From Lakers & Staples Center

The Los Angeles Lakers and L.A. Clippers have a rivalry born out of proximity, but it is clear to all in the basketball world…

Vince Carter Says Kobe Bryant Is ‘Probably The Closest’ To Michael Jordan

It’s not easy growing old in the NBA. Speed fades, joints ache, and legs that used to be able to jump out of the gym suddenly can’t get off the ground…